An ongoing project with the Souris River Watershed District is going to get a boost from the provincial government, according to an announcement from Premier Wab Kinew today.
In the announcement, Kinew said the watershed district would receive a $95,000 grant to help develop an aeration system in Oak Lake that will enhance water quality, support fish populations and help reduce algae blooms.
“Supporting watershed districts is an important part of protecting our environment and improving the quality of life for rural Manitobans,” said Kinew. “Whether it’s improving the water quality for swimming or improving the habitat conditions for fish, projects such as this one focus on the long-term sustainability of our lakes and rivers that protect both wildlife and humans.”
This project will install a high-quality aeration system to improve levels of oxygen, especially during the winter months, as well as improve the overall water quality of Oak Lake, which struggles with algae blooms in the summer months. Low dissolved oxygen levels can also disrupt the food chain on which fish species rely.
According to the release, water aeration is a common process in which oxygen levels in lakes and ponds are increased to address issues like low oxygen levels during winter and excessive algal growth during the summer. It can be used to improve drinking water, protect fish populations, and reduce algal blooms.
